Dell Immerses 3D Technology in Mainstream Mobile Workstations

The more interesting but not surprising additions to the new workstation line are the graphics and 3D capabilities. The M6700 features NVIDIA's 3D Vision Pro, which combines wireless active shutter glasses, an integrated RF communication hub, and software to transform traditional CAD/CAM/CAE, digital content creation, and seismic visualization applications, among others, into full stereoscopic 3D. The inclusion of this capability (which Dell calls a first for its mobile workstations) as a core, integrated feature is a nod to just how far immersive 3D has come from the days of being limited to expensive, out-of-reach CAVEs found typically in corporate or university R&D labs.

The new workstations also can power three simultaneous displays when undocked and up to five displays when docked -- another plus for engineering teams looking for flexibility and power when visualizing complex assemblies and models.

Obviously, using a system this powerful out in the field can invite all kinds of problems that could degrade performance. Dell has put some design muscle into addressing those issues. For example, the workstations feature all-day battery life and an MIL-STD 810G tested chassis made from a durable aluminum and magnesium alloy. Battery-extending features include the NVIDA Optimus technology, which intelligently and automatically optimizes the system to deliver high-end graphics performance only when needed.

In the coming months, Dell said, the M6700 will become the first mobile workstation to offer optional 10+ finger multitouch. For users working with large volumes of sensitive data or designs that require frequent swapping of hard drives, the design calls for an ejectable primary hard drive caddy.

The new workstations are ISV-certified from most of the leading 3D CAD and CAE vendors. Pricing starts at $1,649 for the M4700 and $2,199 for the M6700.

It is pretty crazy how much horsepower hardware makers (not just Dell) are packing into mobile workstation platforms. The heat dissappation question is a good one. I sit forever with a Macbook perched on my lap and I have to admit, it gets hot. And it's no near as powerful as this puppy!

TJ, the heat dissapation is becoming less and less of an issue as the components become more efficient. I recently saw another laptop (sans 3D) that had many of the features found in these Dell units. It seems to run cooler and runs all day. This is attributable to the Gen 3 peocessors and graphics chips. They use lots less power thanks to their funer line width lithography.

Chuck: I didn't come across any specific details on battery chemistry in covering this workstation nor did Dell play up any new developments which leads me to believe there is nothing really out of the ordinary here otherwise they would have highlighted it.

That said, here's a small bit from their release materials about what they're doing to achieve all-day battery life:

"An optional slice battery, ExpressCharge battery and NVIDIA Optimus™ technology, which intelligently and automatically optimizes the system to provide outstanding graphics performance when needed while extending battery life, are also available on both the M4700 and M6700."

The all-day battery was a surprise to me as well. I didn't realize we had reached that capability in laptops. As someone who has spent the last 15 years, looking always for electrical outlets in airports, this is good news.

I think the "3 displays without docking" is a feature for those of us (me included) that constantly take the laptop between home and office.. It is very very nice not to have to deal with display cables or docking station. I don't think it was intended to eliminate ALL wires (power) when at a desk with 3 monitors.

Ya gotta charge it at some point!

What isn't clear ..

- impact on performance of the displays when operating wirelessly.

- wireless displays that support it (most have resolution limitations of 1920x1080)

I took the 3 without docking to mean there were 2 display ports on the side or back of the unit (plus the laptop display to make 3), and that the docking port would provide an additional 2 for five total.

I believe you are correct TJ. Since most laptops only have one port that can be used, which Windows reports as having 2 displays as you mentioned (integrated and external). This system allows for an extra display prior to docking - two external plus the internal.

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